JUVENTUS
Bonucci: Juve defender to miss up to two months, club confirm
The Italy man suffered a hamstring issue against Genoa on Sunday, while the Bianconeri also lost ex-Barça player Dani Alves to a leg break. Juventus-Real Madrid live
Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has been ruled out for up to two months, leaving the injury-ravaged Serie A champions potentially without any of their formidable three-man backline next Saturday.
Bonucci, a reported target for Premier League giants Chelsea, has suffered several injury knocks this season and on Monday was diagnosed with a hamstring injury after being forced off during a shock 3-1 defeat at Genoa a day earlier.
Bonucci out for "around 45/60 days"
A statement from Juventus said Bonucci suffered a "a hamstring injury in his left thigh, with his recovery time expected to be around 45/60 days."
Bonucci is set to undergo further tests that will determine his return date more precisely, but his absence is a further significant blow to Massimiliano Allegri's side as they chase glory at home and in Europe.
Juve could be without any of their 'BBC' defence - composed of Andrea Barzagli, Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini - when they host high-flying Atalanta at the weekend.
Barzagli, Chiellini also struggling with injury
Barzagli was ruled out for two months two weeks ago after suffering a dislocated shoulder during a hard-fought 2-1 win at Chievo.
On Sunday, Chiellini was fit enough only for the bench as he recovers from a recent knock. He remains a doubt for Saturday.
Juve confirm Alves leg break
Juve's woes deepened further on Sunday when Dani Alves picked up an injury that could sideline the former Barcelona star for three months.
Alves went in for a late challenge at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium and came off worst, suffering "a compound fracture of the shin bone in his left leg," Juventus revealed.
Tests on Monday "confirmed the diagnosis", the club said.
Juve's third defeat of the Serie A campaign has left them four points ahead of AC Milan and Roma, with Lazio just one point further adrift in fourth.
The Turin giants have already secured qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League but are aiming to clinch top spot when they host Dinamo Zagreb next week.